North Korea relentlessly emphasises the country’s independence, self-reliance and immunity to isolation. These days, however, Kim Jong-un gives the impression of being a man keen on cultivating friendships.

After meetings with Xi Jinping, Donald Trump and Moon Jae-in, Mr Kim will travel for talks with Vladimir Putin. Mr Kim’s latest summit, to be held in Vladivostok, comes as the North Korean leader’s other diplomatic relationships are under strain.

Mr Kim’s warming relations with South Korea, a crucial US ally, are on hold after his failed second summit with Mr Trump in Vietnam in February. Meanwhile, the Chinese government regards Mr Kim with as much exasperation as affection. Historically, North Korea has always played Beijing off against Moscow.

The Soviet Union installed Kim Jong-un’s grandfather, Kim…

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